Jordan Cunningham for Assemblyhttp://jordancunningham.org
Jordan Cunningham for AssemblyWed, 23 Jan 2019 00:59:23 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3Small party, big ideas: How Republicans can shape California policyhttp://jordancunningham.org/small-party-big-ideas-how-republicans-can-shape-california-policy/
Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:59:23 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1326It’s no secret that the 2018 election did not go well for California Republicans. With only 20 seats in the state Assembly, 11 seats in the state Senate, and 7 Republicans in our state’s Congressional delegation, Republicans have our work cut out to regain trust from the California electorate. California is facing real challenges to […]

]]>It’s no secret that the 2018 election did not go well for California Republicans. With only 20 seats in the state Assembly, 11 seats in the state Senate, and 7 Republicans in our state’s Congressional delegation, Republicans have our work cut out to regain trust from the California electorate.

California is facing real challenges to our future prosperity and we can no longer bury our head in the sand. To name three examples:

Our education system still does not focus enough attention and resources on workforce-ready, career-oriented education – despite the widening “skills gap” in our economy

The cost of living in our state continues to escalate, yet policymakers often seem blind to the effects of state policy on affordability

We have an aging infrastructure that needs smart modernization befitting our state’s position as a global leader in technology

Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley)

Arguably, there has never been a better time to get certified in plumbing, welding, or pipefitting – just to name a few examples. Over the next decade, millions of baby boomers will retire from the skilled trades, widening the “skills gap” even further. Sustained investment in career technical education will unlock enormous potential in our state’s future workers and our economy.

California has the fifth largest economy in the world. Unemployment is at a record low. But these statistics mask the fact that the cost of living in our state continues to outpace wage and salary growth. That’s why it’s critically important for state policymakers to consider the economic impacts of our policies on working families.

Take environmental policy. California’s environment is one of its greatest assets, providing residents and visitors with access to beautiful beaches, stunning national parks and world-class outdoor recreation. We are a global leader in climate change policy and we must continue to protect our natural resources and safeguard the environment.

OPINION

But we must do this in a way that also protects ordinary Californians from escalating costs. Our environmental policies should provide fiscal safeguards in case of economic downturns and encourage innovation by being “technology-neutral” rather than cherry-picking certain forms of alternative energy production over others.

Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo)

We also need to modernize our state’s infrastructure in an intelligent and fiscally-responsible way. Fifty years ago, Governor Pat Brown led California into the future with forward-thinking projects like the highway system, higher education master plan, and the California Water Project. Today, we should be exploring infrastructure projects that harness our unequaled technological prowess and hand the baton to future generations.

High speed rail is 20th century technology. We should be exploring 21st century technology, which could include transportation infrastructure to prepare for the revolution in driverless cars, vehicle electrification and even the Hyperloop. Other major infrastructure needs to include a resilient power grid, access to broadband internet, and state-of-the-art water recycling, production, storage and conveyance.

As elected representatives, Republicans have an obligation to engage on these issues, find solutions, and offer our voice and ideas to the process of shaping Californians future. Californians deserve nothing less. After all, “good policy makes good politics.”

]]>Cunningham wins second term in state Assemblyhttp://jordancunningham.org/cunningham-wins-second-term-in-state-assembly/
Thu, 08 Nov 2018 20:56:15 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1324Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham will return to Sacramento to serve a second term with a win over Democratic Party challenger Bill Ostrander, according to unofficial voting totals. Cunningham, an attorney with a practice in Templeton, received 63,771 votes on Nov. 6, garnering 58.6 percent of the total vote. Ostrander, a SLO-based activist and former actor, received […]

Cunningham, an attorney with a practice in Templeton, received 63,771 votes on Nov. 6, garnering 58.6 percent of the total vote. Ostrander, a SLO-based activist and former actor, received 44,967 votes, according to preliminary voting totals.

“It feels great,” Cunningham told New Times. “It’s a real privilege to serve and represent the people of the Central Coast.”

In addition to gaining the lion’s share of the vote, Cunningham raised significantly more money than his competitor for the 2018 election. According to data from the California Secretary of State, Cunningham raised more than $840,767 for his re-election. Ostrander, by comparison, raised more than $130,484.

California’s 35th Assembly District encompasses both SLO and Northern Santa Barbara counties. Cunningham was first elected to office in 2016, beating out Dawn Otriz-Legg for the open 35th District seat previously filled by termed-out Republican Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian. During his 2018 bid for re-election, Cunningham touted his legislative achievements, including authoring bipartisan bills to fund grants for career and technical education programs, combating human trafficking, and securing funding to mitigate the economic impact of the planned closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in SLO County, all of which were passed by the state Legislature and signed into law.

“I think the voters appreciate someone who is pragmatic,” Cunningham said. “They are looking for someone who is a problem solver and independent.”

In his second term, Cunningham said he would work on issues to address the high cost of living on the Central Coast and continue to work on addressing concerns over the loss of jobs. Δ

]]>California Correctional Peace Officers Association Endorses Cunningham For Re-Electionhttp://jordancunningham.org/california-correctional-peace-officers-association-endorses-cunningham-for-re-election/
Wed, 31 Oct 2018 17:00:40 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1322SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham announced that he has received the endorsement of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA). “Cunningham has fought for the men and women who risk their safety every day in order to keep our neighbors safe,” said CCPOA President Chuck Alexander. “We’re happy to endorse Cunningham, a […]

]]>SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham announced that he has received the endorsement of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA).

“Cunningham has fought for the men and women who risk their safety every day in order to keep our neighbors safe,” said CCPOA President Chuck Alexander. “We’re happy to endorse Cunningham, a former Deputy District Attorney, for re-election.”

Cunningham worked as a Deputy District Attorney for the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office before opening his own practice and running for State Assembly.

Since being elected to the Assembly in 2016, Cunningham has continued to be an advocate for public safety, passing legislation to expand the tools available to officers and prosecutors to fight human trafficking and make our streets safer. Cunningham also authored legislation that strengthens the sex offender laws by expanding the sex offender registry.

Assemblyman Cunningham represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their children.

]]>Jordan Cunningham doesn’t just preach against human trafficking — he fights ithttp://jordancunningham.org/jordan-cunningham-doesnt-just-preach-against-human-trafficking-he-fights-it/
Tue, 30 Oct 2018 16:47:56 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1320Imagine your sons or daughters are lured away by manipulative strangers and taken against their will. Imagine they are transported out of the area far away from any family or friends and then forced to do unspeakable things to make a profit for their human traffickers. This nightmare is a reality for too many people […]

]]>Imagine your sons or daughters are lured away by manipulative strangers and taken against their will. Imagine they are transported out of the area far away from any family or friends and then forced to do unspeakable things to make a profit for their human traffickers. This nightmare is a reality for too many people across California and the United States. It’s estimated by the Global Slavery Index that there are 403,000 victims of human trafficking living in slave conditions in the US.

The problem is so bad that it has become one of the greatest moral issues of our time.

Human trafficking is the modern-day equivalent of slavery and goes against everything we should stand against as a free society, but apparently not everyone thinks ending it should be a top priority. In a recent debate, Democrat Bill Ostrander, who is challenging Jordan Cunningham for our local Assembly seat, said human trafficking isn’t really that important because it only affects a handful of people.

Ostrander was looking to score some political points by going after Cunningham’s accomplishments on battling human trafficking and said, “His campaign boasts its compassionate work on human trafficking and how it’s the moral issue of our time. But I would like to know, is there anyone here that is actually for human trafficking? No one. Human trafficking affects about 2 hundredths of one percent of our state’s population.”

This statement is absurd at so many levels.

Mr. Ostrander would do well to understand that it’s not enough to say you are against human trafficking. There is a moral obligation to do something to stop it, and that’s exactly what Cunningham has done while serving in the Legislature. Perhaps Ostrander shares a similar view with his Democratic colleagues in Sacramento who don’t exactly have a stellar record of taking action against trafficking as we saw earlier this year when Cunningham’s bill to deter demand for underage minors was killed on a party-line vote. If Ostrander manages to somehow win the seat, he will apparently fit right in with the warped thinking of Sacramento.

Taking on human trafficking is an ultimate social justice issue because traffickers often target the most vulnerable young people who are forgotten by society.

Figures from the National Foster Youth Institute illustrate this and are striking because it shows how widespread the problem is. They estimate that 60 percent of child sex trafficking victims rescued during FBI operations in 2013 were formerly in a foster care system. They also note that the average age for girls entering the sex trade is 12. Trafficking affects over 100,000 children each year, according to the FBI.

By standing up to human trafficking, Cunningham is working to protect at-risk children too often neglected by policymakers in the halls of power.

If Democrats really care about social justice, they should recognize the importance of ending modern-day slavery. What Ostrander was essentially saying is that these young people don’t matter because they are such a small part of general population.

We need to categorically reject that kind of thinking.

Human trafficking is a problem right here in our community because of our high levels of tourism and central location. District Attorney Dan Dow started a task force in 2016 dedicated to the issue because the problem had gone undetected for so long. There are victims right in our backyard that need help and there is a moral obligation to take action.

It’s going to take continued focused leadership from law enforcement, local leaders and elected officials to stamp out the problem.

While human trafficking may only directly affect a minority of people, the victims are some of the most vulnerable people in our society and are enslaved in the most horrific conditions imaginable. Ostrander may not think that’s worth making it a priority. I would wager most reasonable people would disagree.

Conservative columnist Andrea Seastrand is a former representative for the 22nd Congressional District, a longtime grass-roots activist and current president of the Central Coast Taxpayers Association. Her column runs in The Tribune every other Sunday, in rotation with liberal columnist Tom Fulks.

]]>With 11 Days Remaining, Cunningham Campaign Rolls Out Broad and Diverse Coalition in Supporthttp://jordancunningham.org/with-11-days-remaining-cunningham-campaign-rolls-out-broad-and-diverse-coalition-in-support/
Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:30:33 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1315Coalition Includes SLO Tribune, Local Electeds, Labor, Teachers, Public Safety, Agriculture and Small Business SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, just 11 days before the November 6 election, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham’s re-election campaign announced a broad coalition in support of the Assemblyman’s re-election bid. The coalition includes the San Luis Obispo Tribune, local elected officials […]

]]>Coalition Includes SLO Tribune, Local Electeds, Labor, Teachers, Public Safety, Agriculture and Small Business

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, just 11 days before the November 6 election, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham’s re-election campaign announced a broad coalition in support of the Assemblyman’s re-election bid.

The coalition includes the San Luis Obispo Tribune, local elected officials from both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County, labor organizations, teachers, public safety organizations, agriculture, and small business.

“Over the past two years, we’ve worked in an independent and bipartisan way to improve life here on the Central Coast,” said Cunningham. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far, and am honored to have the support of so many members of our community.”

“Our work is not done,” added Cunningham. “I am hopeful the voters will respond to our record and message, and we will be able to accomplish even more for the Central Coast in the coming years.”

To see a full list of the broad and diverse coalition in support of Cunningham, click here.

Cunningham was first elected to the Assembly in 2016. Since then, he has focused his efforts on combating human trafficking and promoting public safety, supporting career technical education (CTE), helping small businesses, and securing funds for critical infrastructure on the Central Coast.

After graduating from Atascadero High School, Cunningham graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in physics. He then obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to serving in the Assembly, Cunningham worked as an attorney in private practice, as a federal law clerk, and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He later returned home to become a Deputy District Attorney in the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. He now represents individuals, families, and local businesses as the owner and founder of Cunningham Law Group.

Assemblyman Cunningham represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their four children.

]]>Cunningham Endorsed by IBEW Local 1245http://jordancunningham.org/cunningham-endorsed-by-ibew-local-1245/
Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:00:58 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1311SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham announced that he has received the endorsement of IBEW Local 1245, the union representing over 100 local units of line workers of PG&E and other power companies. “As the Central Coast’s Assemblyman, Jordan has made a habit of working across party lines to better our community,” […]

]]>SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham announced that he has received the endorsement of IBEW Local 1245, the union representing over 100 local units of line workers of PG&E and other power companies.

“As the Central Coast’s Assemblyman, Jordan has made a habit of working across party lines to better our community,” said Tom Dalzell, IBEW Local 1245 Business Manager. “Jordan’s ability to pass critically important pieces of legislation, like securing permanent funding for Career Technical Education and passing SB 1090, shows his commitment to growing job training and protecting our economy.”

Cunningham was first elected to the Assembly in 2016. In his first term in the Legislature, he has been recognized for his leadership in combating human trafficking, and supporting Career Technical Education.

Cunningham recently co-authored SB 1090, the groundbreaking, bipartisan legislation that mitigates the closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and ensures the plant has the staffing levels needed to continue to run the plan through its 2025 closure date.

After graduating from Atascadero High School, Cunningham graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in physics. He then obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to serving in the Assembly, Cunningham worked as an attorney in private practice, as a federal law clerk, and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He later returned home to become a Deputy District Attorney in the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. He now represents individuals, families, and local businesses as the owner and founder of Cunningham Law Group.

Assembly District 35 encompasses all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their four children.

]]>Cunningham Receives Endorsement of Local Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Weldershttp://jordancunningham.org/cunningham-receives-endorsement-of-local-plumbers-pipefitters-and-welders/
Mon, 22 Oct 2018 17:00:03 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1308SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham has received the endorsement of UA Local 114, the trade union that represents plumbers, pipefitters, and welders in Santa Barbara County. “When Jordan ran for office, he promised to promote and focus on the Building Trades” said UA Local 114 Business Manager Michael Lopez. “He has kept that promise and more. His work in the Assembly […]

]]>SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham has received the endorsement of UA Local 114, the trade union that represents plumbers, pipefitters, and welders in Santa Barbara County.

“When Jordan ran for office, he promised to promote and focus on the Building Trades” said UA Local 114 Business Manager Michael Lopez. “He has kept that promise and more. His work in the Assembly to prioritize Career Technical Training (CTE) as a positive step towards pre-apprenticeship training proves Jordan can bring results. It is great seeing A representative who truly appreciates the role our members play in the workforce.”

Cunningham was first elected to the Assembly in 2016. Since then, he has focused on combating human trafficking and fighting to grow career technical education (CTE). He has had multiple bills signed into law that protect public safety and increase victims’ rights in human trafficking cases.

After graduating from Atascadero High School, Cunningham graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in physics. He then obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to serving in the Assembly, Cunningham worked as an attorney in private practice, as a federal law clerk, and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He later returned home to become a Deputy District Attorney in the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. He now represents individuals, families, and local businesses as the owner and founder of Cunningham Law Group.

Assemblyman Cunningham represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their four children.

]]>Cunningham Endorsed by Crime Victims Unitedhttp://jordancunningham.org/cunningham-endorsed-by-crime-victims-united/
Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:52:22 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1304SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Jordan Cunningham has received the endorsement of Crime Victims United (CVU). CVU Chair Harriest Salarno said when announcing the endorsement, “[Cunningham has] always been a great supporter of victims and victims’ rights.” While in the Assembly, Cunningham has introduced and passed several pieces of legislation to crack down on human trafficking and protect trafficking victims. Calling the fight against […]

CVU joins a number of additional public safety organizations in support of Cunningham’s re-election campaign, including the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the California Professional Firefighters, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen and Cal Fire Local 2881.

After graduating from Atascadero High School, Cunningham graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in physics. He then obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Cunningham worked in Washington D.C. as an attorney in private practice, a federal law clerk, and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He later returned home to become a Deputy District Attorney in the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. He now represents individuals, families, and local businesses as the owner and founder of Cunningham Law Group.

Assemblyman Cunningham represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their four children.

]]>Cunningham Endorsed by Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs’ Associationhttp://jordancunningham.org/cunningham-endorsed-by-santa-barbara-county-deputy-sheriffs-association/
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:00:17 +0000http://jordancunningham.org/?p=1300SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham has received the endorsement of Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. “Our Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputies are on the front lines fighting human traffickers and other criminals,” said Cunningham. “I am proud to receive their endorsement for re-election and will continue to make sure they have the tools […]

“Our Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputies are on the front lines fighting human traffickers and other criminals,” said Cunningham. “I am proud to receive their endorsement for re-election and will continue to make sure they have the tools they need to keep our communities safe and fight human trafficking.”

A former prosecutor, Cunningham was first elected to the Assembly in 2016. He has focused on combating human trafficking and has had multiple bills signed into law that protect public safety and increase victims’ rights in human trafficking cases.

Earlier this year, Cunningham’s AB 1736, which allows prior statements made by trafficking victims to be introduced at trial, was signed into law. Cunningham’s AB 1735, which gives victims of trafficking the ability to apply for a 10-year protective order against their trafficker, was signed into law in September.

After graduating from Atascadero High School, Cunningham graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in physics. He then obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Cunningham worked in Washington D.C. as an attorney in private practice, a federal law clerk, and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He later returned home to become a Deputy District Attorney in the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. He now represents individuals, families, and local businesses as the owner and founder of Cunningham Law Group.

Assemblyman Cunningham represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their four children.

]]>SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Today, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham announced receiving the endorsement of Templeton Unified School District Trustee Katrina Merson, Former President Shirley Sigmund and Former Trustees Phil Keohen and Kevin Hamers.

“Jordan’s record on the issues that most impact our kids illustrates his passion for improving our state’s K-12 education system,” said former Templeton United Board President Shirley Sigmund. “As a former Templeton School Board member, Jordan understands how critical things like Career Technical Education are to providing a well-rounded educational experience.”

Cunningham, a former member of the Templeton Unified School Board, was first elected to the Assembly in 2016. Since then, he has focused on combating human trafficking and fighting to grow career technical education (CTE). Last year, Cunningham worked across the aisle to secure permanent funding in the state budget for CTE.

After graduating from Atascadero High School, Cunningham graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in physics. He then obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to serving in the Assembly, Cunningham worked as an attorney in private practice, as a federal law clerk, and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He later returned home to become a Deputy District Attorney in the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. He now represents individuals, families, and local businesses as the owner and founder of Cunningham Law Group.

Assemblyman Cunningham represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Cunningham lives in San Luis Obispo County with his wife, Shauna, and their four children.